Today I took one of those Buzzfeed quizzes that are all the rage right now. One of the questions it asked was about which Dr. Seuss book was my favorite. Out of the options, I very quickly chose Oh, the Places You'll Go!. While you could say I chose it for it's overwhelming popularity as a graduation present or because it has a bunch of pretty colors on the front, you would be wrong.
It's no secret to those who know me well that I love thinking about the future even more than I like Dr. Seuss books (which is really saying something). I look back on my childhood and see a kid who was looking forward constantly. I wanted to be older so that I could have more freedom. Then, I got to middle school and wished I was in high school so my awkwardness would subside. News flash: it didn't. Then, I entered 9th grade and was already researching colleges I might attend. I took my first college visit my sophomore year of high school. Most of my high school friends were a year older than me and liked to tease that I was thinking about college way more than they were.
Even though I am done with college, married, and have a job, I find myself still looking forward. I am that person who gets out their planner for fun. I sift through the pages and write down every possibly interesting or exciting thing I know is going to happen in the next six to seven months. While being someone who likes to plan does have its perks, it also can keep you from enjoying the moment.
It's a little discouraging when I look forward to something so intensely just to realize that when it comes, I am too busy daydreaming about the next big event to actually enjoy it. I fear that I'll look back on my life and see that I spent all of it in a state of waiting.
I feel blessed right now by something that normally drives me crazy: cluelessness about my future. Nick and I are committed to teach at Doulos for two more years after this school year. While I can pretty easily predict what our next two years will be like, our more "permanent" future lies completely undecided. When we are done here, we have no idea where we will move or what our jobs will even be. We both have so many interests that haven't been defined to one specific area. I think this is God's way of telling me "Think on today, child."
I am here for a reason. I know that. Whether it is for my own personal growth, the education I am helping provide for students here, or (more than likely) both, I have a purpose here. If I start dreaming of possibly living in this state or that one three years down the road, I am doing myself and those around me an injustice.
So here is a reminder, to you and to myself, to think on today. Take in the beautiful (and some not so beautiful) moments all around you.
(Now if I can only get into this mindset as I desperately wait for spring break next week....)
